Carriage and DoubleDecker Bus Rides
Carriage Rides – (1 p.m.-5 p.m.)
Each day of the Festival, weather permitting, NE of the Auditorium at 1 Central Ave E. FREE, thanks to our sponsor RTC Networks.
Doubledecker Bus Rides - (1:00, 2:30, 3:30, 4:00. 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.)
- The 1:00p.m. trip (an hour long) goes to the Fort Stevenson Guardhouse to view historical and heritage displays.
- The 2:30, 3:30 & 4:00 p.m. rides are a short tour around town.
- The 5 p.m. ride includes being part of the lighted parade on Main Street.
- The 6:30 p.m. is a 30-minute ride to view lighted homes; riders will be dropped off at the theater.
($3 for each passenger who requires a seat, purchase tickets at the Ticket Center). Bus tickets are only available at the Ticket Center on the day of the ride. Tickets can't be purchased in advance.
Activities
Tinsel & Treats
(9 a.m.-7 p.m., Every Day) Garrison Lamplighters, 1/2 Block west of Auditorium. Enjoy a festival of trees decorated by local organizations, businesses, and individuals; vote for your favorite. Enjoy free coffee & hot chocolate; also cinnamon rolls, caramel rolls, chili, pumpkin bars, & kuchen for purchase from the Garrison Lamplighters. Warming house & restrooms available here also.
Quilt Show
(12 p.m.- 4 p.m., Every Day) At the Cubby Hole, across the street (W) from Piccadilly Square. View Quilts made by the local Piecemaker's Quilt Guild Members. Purchase tickets to vote for your favorite quilts.
Top It Off With Style
Children’s Top Hat Decorating, noon-4 p.m., Every Day. Pick up your top hat kit & head upstairs at the ND Firefighter's Museum to decorate. Free to children under 18 years.
Dickens Story Time at the Library
(2:30 p.m., Nov.24 & 25, Dec. 2 & 9) Join us at the Garrison Public Library (located in Piccadilly Square) at 2:30pm for a children's Christmas story. One lucky winner will walk away with a free copy of the book of the day! Also, enjoy a small kids craft. This event is free of charge.
Kid's Corner at Evangel Church
(2 p.m. - 6p p.m., Every Day) Grab a table, coffee or hot chocolate and let your kids enjoy activities like a bounce house and play gym for toddlers, coloring for everyone, and snap a polaroid in costumes with the whole family!
Street Food Vendors
(4:00 p.m. until the last cup is sold) Main Street. From Buffalo Swedish Meatballs & Sausage on a Stick to Rice Pudding & Homemade Soups, a variety of yummy foods are available from non-profit organizations.
Lighted Parade – Main Street.
(5:30 p.m.) It's the 31st year celebration.
Here is the entry form.
Deck the House Christmas Light Contest
Every day after dusk starting in December. Pick up a map at the ticket center to vote!
Dickens Event Geocache
Twelve unique hand carved wooden ornaments will be hidden randomly throughout Fort Stevenson State Park. GPS coordinates for each ornament will be posted at geocaching.com. Locate an ornament and log your find at the Park Visitors Center to claim $5.00. If you don't have a GPS unit, stop at the park office for a loaner unit. Check out the details here.
Historic/Heritage Side Trip
(12:30–5 p.m.) Fort Stevenson Guardhouse, Fort Stevenson State Park, 3½ miles south of Garrison. View the displays and murals and learn about life during the days of the original fort.
Dickens Photo Contest
Send in your favorite photos taken during the festival. Check out the Gazette for Photo Opportunities. Submit up to 5 photos by emailing dickens@dickensfestival.com or mailing to PO Box 521 Garrison, ND 58540. Photos must be received by December 22nd to be eligible.
All photos submitted are subject to being used for publication & promotional material and will become property of the Dickens Village Festival Committee.
Victorian Christmas Tea Tasting
At the Victorian tea tasting you will sip several holiday teas from Steep Me a cup of tea while learning about Victorian tea history and etiquette. A delightful way to enjoy your holiday season and learn about Victorian times.